Vinton Freedley
Vinton Freedley is a Broadway performer. Explore their Broadway credits, shows, and songs below.
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About
Vinton Freedley (November 5, 1891 – June 5, 1969) was an American theater and television producer and Broadway performer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Harvard University in 1914, where he held membership in The Delphic Club and The Hasty Pudding. He subsequently attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a JD degree, and joined the theatrical club The Lambs in 1918.
Freedley's performing career on Broadway spanned from 1917 to 1923 and included appearances in the musicals Elsie and For Goodness Sake, the plays Miss Millions and The World We Live In, and L'Elevation. Following his time as a performer, he transitioned into producing after meeting Alexander A. Aarons, with whom he formed a long-term partnership.
The Aarons and Freedley partnership launched with Lady Be Good! in 1924, featuring music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and starring Fred Astaire and Adele Astaire. The collaborators continued with Tip-Toes in 1925, Oh, Kay! in 1926, and Funny Face in 1927, the last again featuring the Astaires with scores by the Gershwins. In 1928 the pair produced three shows: Here's Howe, with music by Gus Kahn, Joseph Meyer, and Irving Caesar; Hold Everything!, scored by Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown; and Treasure Girl, with music again by the Gershwins. The following year brought Spring Is Here and Heads Up!, both featuring songs by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Girl Crazy, another Gershwin production, followed in 1930. The partnership dissolved in 1932, by which point Freedley had produced a total of 30 Broadway shows.
Among the lasting physical legacies of the Aarons and Freedley partnership is the Alvin Theatre on 52nd Street in New York City, which the two producers built together. Designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and seating between 1,400 and 1,500 depending on configuration, the theater took its original name from a portmanteau of the two producers' first names. It is known today as the Neil Simon Theatre.
Freedley also worked in television, serving as emcee on the series Talent Jackpot in 1949 and Showtime, U.S.A. in 1950.
Personal Details
- Born
- November 5, 1891
- Hometown
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died
- June 5, 1969
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Vinton Freedley?
- Vinton Freedley is a Broadway performer. Vinton Freedley (November 5, 1891 – June 5, 1969) was an American theater and television producer and Broadway performer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Harvard University in 1914, where he held membership in The Delphic Club and The Hasty Pudding. He subsequently attended the U...
- What roles has Vinton Freedley played?
- Vinton Freedley has played roles as Director, Theatre Owner/Operator, Producer, Performer, Production Staff.
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